Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Delay on smoking ban decision unacceptable - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning reacted to the delay in the
announcement of the smoking ban by expressing her disappointment.

However, Ms de Brún said that it was "a small first step in the right
direction". Ms de Brún made her comments after Shaun Woodward announced that
he would be delaying the decision on a smoking ban in the 6 Counties to
assess whether to introduce a full or partial ban.

Speaking today the former Assembly Health Minister said:

"Today's announcement on the introduction of a smoking ban is only a small
first step, but should be welcomed as a move towards a health conscious
society. The British Government initiated a consultation period a number of
months ago and received 70,000 responses. A resounding 91% of those who
responded were in favour of a total smoking ban on public places. Such an
overwhelming response should be enough to ensure a full ban, rather than a
partial ban.

"I fail to understand why Mr Woodward has taken the opportunity to make a
key note speech concerning a smoking ban, if he is delaying the decision
until he receives further information. This research should have been
conducted and fully concluded before this announcement.

"Following the success of the smoking ban in the 26 Counties and the recent
decision by the Scottish Executive to introduce a similar ban, there is a
growing realization in the 6 Counties that such legislation would be
practical and extremely beneficial to the health of all workers. The health
and well being of all our citizens should be of paramount importance to
those who make decisions on their behalf.

"Health professionals are calling for a ban and the general public is
overwhelmingly calling for a ban. There is no conceivable reason why a full
ban should not be implemented immediately." ENDS